Definition

Noun: * A small, carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela, specifically the least weasel. It is characterized by its slender body, short legs, and brown fur with a white underside. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and is known for its aggressive hunting behavior relative to its size.

Usage

• The term "Mustela nivalis" is the scientific (Latin) binomial name for the least weasel. It is used primarily in formal, academic, or zoological contexts.
• In everyday English, the common name "least weasel" is used.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study focused on the population dynamics of Mustela nivalis in the alpine region.
  • Under the microscope, the skull of Mustela nivalis can be distinguished from that of the stoat.
• General Context (using the common name):
  • The least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is the world's smallest carnivorous mammal.

Advanced Usage

• The name is often italicized in writing, as is standard for genus and species names in scientific literature.
• It can be used attributively to describe related concepts, e.g., " habitat" or " behavior."

Variants and Related Words

• Least weasel: The common English name for .
• Weasel: The general common name for mammals in the genus , which includes , the stoat (), and the long-tailed weasel ().
• Mustelid: A member of the family Mustelidae, which includes weasels, otters, badgers, and ferrets.

Synonyms

• Least weasel
• Common weasel (in some European contexts)

Different Meanings

• "Mustela nivalis" refers specifically to one species. It does not have other common metaphorical or idiomatic meanings in general English. Its meaning is strictly zoological.

Noun

1. of Europe